Bordetella, also known as “Kennel Cough,” is a contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs. It spreads rapidly through contact or airborne transmission, making vaccination crucial for dogs frequently exposed to other dogs in settings such as neighborhoods, boarding centers, dog parks, grooming facilities, or daycare.

Puppies, young dogs, and pets with weaker immune systems are more prone to severe symptoms if left unvaccinated.

Common Symptoms

Canine Influenza is a viral infection that emerged in 2012 from a mutated strain, making dogs highly susceptible due to lack of immunity. A vaccine was developed to protect against the virus, and it is available upon request at Caring Hands Animal Hospital. Fortunately, this virus does not affect humans.

Common Symptoms

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs, cats, ferrets, and certain wildlife. The disease spreads through both direct and indirect contact, making vaccination a critical step in prevention.

Common Symptoms

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a viral infection transmitted through saliva, feces, and lactation. Kittens, feral or outdoor cats, and cats in multi-cat households face a higher risk of infection. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Feline Leukemia.

A blood test at Caring Hands Animal Hospital can detect FeLV infection. The vaccine is given as a two-dose series to kittens and an annual booster to adult and senior cats.

Symptoms

Flea and tick preventatives come in many forms, making it difficult to choose the right one for your pet. When selecting the best option, consider your pet’s lifestyle, age, breed, health condition, and current medications. Since these are medications, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new product.

Topical medications, commonly called "spot-on" treatments, are applied to the base of the neck or between the shoulder blades. These products kill fleas and ticks and can also repel future infestations. After application, ensure the product dries completely before allowing children or other pets to interact with your pet. Possible side effects may include itching, redness, swelling, or hair loss at the application site.

Oral medications offer an alternative that eliminates the need for topical treatments. However, they do not provide a repellent effect, meaning fleas or ticks must bite before they are killed. Some oral medications may cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation.

Collars are another convenient option that kills and repels fleas and ticks. While generally affordable, some collars may have strong odors or cause skin irritation. It's important to prevent children from touching the collar to avoid irritation.

Flea and tick sprays can be effective but may be challenging to apply evenly. Pets must remain dry for the spray to work, making this method less ideal for pets that enjoy swimming.

Powders, like sprays, are another option, but they can be difficult to apply evenly and may cause side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea if ingested.

Shampoos can provide immediate relief by washing away adult fleas and their eggs, but they do not offer long-term protection. They are best suited for short-term control.

Flea dips, which involve applying a concentrated liquid to your pet’s coat and allowing it to air dry, are effective but not a long-term solution. Dips should be applied with caution, especially on young, pregnant, or nursing pets.

When selecting a preventative, consider your pet’s individual needs and consult with your veterinarian to ensure the most effective protection.

Important Questions to Ask:

Heartworms are among the most dangerous parasites for both dogs and cats, and the risk of infection is high. Whether your pet is an indoor cat or a dog that enjoys outdoor adventures, they are all at risk for heartworm disease in Merrifield, VA.

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites your pet, it introduces larvae into the bloodstream. These larvae migrate through the soft tissue and blood vessels, eventually reaching the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms. Over time, adult heartworms can grow several inches long and reproduce, sending offspring into the bloodstream. When another mosquito bites the infected pet, it ingests the larvae and carries the parasite to the next host.

In dogs, heartworm disease is easier to diagnose through a blood test. The disease often results in large numbers of adult worms in the lungs and heart, which partially block blood flow and make it harder for the heart to pump blood. This leads to heart disease, shortness of breath, and coughing. As adult worms die, they cause severe inflammation in the lungs, worsening the symptoms. If left untreated, heartworm disease can be fatal.

Cats are not the primary host for heartworms, but research shows they are being infected at nearly the same rate as dogs. Infected cats often experience lung damage as the larvae migrate through their lungs, and the damage caused can be permanent. Symptoms in cats may include coughing, shortness of breath, and even sudden death. Feline heartworm disease is often misdiagnosed as asthma, as the symptoms and radiographic findings are similar, and heartworm tests don't always detect infection in cats.

Heartworm disease in dogs can be treated with injectable medications, but the treatment is expensive, painful, and may leave permanent lung damage. Unfortunately, there is no safe treatment for heartworms in cats. The best approach is prevention. Both dogs and cats should receive monthly heartworm preventatives, which are inexpensive, safe, and highly effective. Even indoor pets are at risk, as mosquitoes can enter homes. Studies have shown that indoor cats are just as likely to be infected as outdoor ones.

In Merrifield, VA, heartworm infection rates have been increasing over the past decade, making it more important than ever to protect your pet. Ensure your pet is protected year-round with monthly heartworm prevention medication. For more information on heartworm disease, visit The American Heartworm Society.

Heartworm tests help identify whether an animal has been infected with heartworms. These tests can be performed in-house, delivering results within 10 minutes, or sent to an external reference laboratory for further analysis.

In dogs, the test detects antigens produced by female heartworms present in the bloodstream. A small blood sample is combined with a test solution and applied to a testing device that contains antibodies. If heartworm antigens are present, the antibodies will bind to them, causing a colored dot to appear, confirming the infection. These tests are highly reliable because infected dogs usually carry a large number of worms. However, a positive result requires the presence of mature female worms, which take around six months to develop. Therefore, early infections may go undetected.

For cats, two types of tests are available. The first is an antigen test similar to the one used for dogs, designed to detect antigens from at least three adult female heartworms. However, most infected cats harbor only a few worms (usually between 1-7), and if the worms are male, the antigen test may give a false negative result, even if the cat is infected.

The second test available for cats is an antibody test, which identifies heartworm-specific antibodies produced when larvae reach the L4 stage. These antibodies, however, are temporary and only last a few months. A positive result indicates that the cat was recently exposed to heartworms, but it does not guarantee the presence of adult worms. A negative result also does not eliminate the possibility of infection. To improve diagnostic accuracy, veterinarians often recommend performing both antigen and antibody tests, though even this combination may not always detect heartworm infections in cats.

Hookworms are among the most dangerous intestinal parasites for dogs and cats due to their ability to feed on blood. These worms use their hook-like teeth to latch onto the intestinal lining, consuming large amounts of blood. A severe hookworm infestation in puppies and kittens can result in anemia, which may be fatal if not treated promptly.

As hookworms move through the intestines, they leave behind bleeding ulcers where they once attached.

Hookworm infestations are common in dogs and cats. The subspecies Ancylostoma caninum can pass from mother to puppies through the milk, while kittens typically contract the infection through contaminated environments. Since these parasites are widespread, it is essential to deworm all puppies and kittens early in life. Because hookworms are too small to be seen by the naked eye, laboratory testing is required for accurate diagnosis.

Pets can become infected with hookworms in several ways. Puppies often acquire the infection while nursing, as larvae can pass through the mother's mammary glands. Puppies, kittens, and adult pets can also ingest hookworm larvae from contaminated environments where eggs hatch from infected stool. The larvae may either be ingested directly or penetrate the skin of pets (and even humans) who come into contact with contaminated soil. Once inside, the larvae migrate to the intestine to complete their life cycle. Additionally, pets may contract hookworms by consuming infected animals. Even indoor pets are vulnerable, as insects such as cockroaches can carry hookworm larvae, which may be ingested.

Hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they can also infect humans. Infection usually occurs when larvae come into contact with exposed skin, such as during activities like walking barefoot or digging in contaminated soil. Although humans are not the preferred host for hookworms, the larvae can migrate through the skin, causing severe irritation. Fortunately, these larvae cannot complete their life cycle in humans and will die within a few weeks. This condition, known as Cutaneous Larva Migrans, can be treated by a physician to alleviate symptoms. Preventative measures, such as wearing shoes and practicing good hygiene in areas where infected animals may have been, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection primarily spread through the urine of infected wildlife. Pets typically contract this disease by coming into contact with contaminated water sources, such as puddles, retention ponds, or slow-moving streams. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s lifestyle to determine the risk of Leptospirosis and whether vaccination is necessary.

Commonly referred to as “Lepto,” the disease can lead to severe kidney and liver damage. Since Leptospirosis is zoonotic, it can also be transmitted from animals to humans

Symptoms may include:

Lyme disease is a prevalent tick-borne infection affecting both dogs and humans, especially in the Northern Virginia area. Depending on your pet's lifestyle, your veterinarian may recommend vaccination.

Ticks pick up the bacteria from wildlife and pass it to your pet while feeding. For transmission to occur, the tick must stay attached for at least 48 hours. However, because Lyme-carrying ticks are often tiny and hard to detect, it’s crucial to keep your pet on a reliable tick preventative and ensure they are vaccinated.

Unlike humans, dogs rarely develop the classic “bull's-eye” rash. Many dogs show no immediate or visible symptoms, making it difficult to detect the disease early. Even in the absence of symptoms, Lyme disease can still be present and pose a risk to your pet’s health.

If a pet tests positive for Lyme disease, antibiotics can be administered to reduce the bacterial load. However, complete elimination of the bacteria is difficult, and even after treatment, a low-level infection may persist.

Symptoms

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most prevalent tick-borne illness affecting both dogs and humans in the United States. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Although many mammals can be infected, dogs and horses are most likely to exhibit symptoms, while cats generally remain resistant. Lyme disease is most common along the East Coast and Great Lakes regions but can occur in other parts of the country.

While several tick species can harbor Borrelia burgdorferi, only the black-legged tick (deer tick) and the Western black-legged tick are known to transmit the disease. Transmission occurs when an infected tick remains attached to the host for 24-48 hours, injecting bacteria-laden saliva into the bloodstream.

Most dogs carrying Borrelia burgdorferi show no clinical signs. When symptoms do occur, they usually include fever, lameness, and general lethargy. In rare instances, the bacteria may affect the kidneys, leading to protein loss and, in severe cases, kidney failure. Lyme disease can also, though infrequently, result in heart or brain complications.

Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care. While this treatment is generally effective in alleviating symptoms, low levels of bacteria may linger in the body, potentially causing recurrent symptoms during periods of stress or immune suppression.

Prevention is the best strategy against Lyme disease. Consistently using a reliable tick preventative throughout the year reduces your pet’s exposure. Additionally, a Lyme vaccine is available to protect your dog from infection if bitten by an infected tick. After the initial two-dose series, the vaccine is given annually to maintain protection. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend antibiotics after a tick bite to eliminate bacteria before infection takes hold.

At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we suggest annual Lyme disease screening using our in-house Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia/Anaplasmosis test. This test provides the most accurate way to detect Lyme infection. If a dog tests positive, additional testing or antibiotics may be advised. For dogs with a history of Lyme infection, the Lyme C6 test measures antibody levels, indicating the bacterial load. If antibody levels rise, further antibiotic treatment may be recommended.

Although Lyme disease cannot spread directly from animals to humans, humans can be infected through tick bites. Since there is currently no Lyme vaccine available for humans, tick prevention remains the best form of protection.

For more information about Lyme disease, visit the following resources:

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that primarily spreads through wildlife and other mammals in the region. It is zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans, usually through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via a bite.

In Virginia, it is mandatory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies.

Symptoms may include: